Keeper of the Lost Cities

by Shannon Messenger

  He seemed to weigh her resolve before he sighed. “It was already open, okay?”

  “No way. I never leave my locker open.”

  “You must have. All I did was open it the rest of the way and drop my gift off.”

  The faint blush on his cheeks implied he was telling the truth—but it didn’t make sense. “Nothing was missing. And you were the only one who put anything in.”

  “Yeah, which you never thanked me for, by the way. The nerve of some people.”

  He was right. She never figured out a way to thank him for his unusual gift. “Sorry. Thanks for the candy and the necklace.”

  “Necklace?”

  “Yeah. You really didn’t have to do that.”

  “Good, ’cause I didn’t.”

  “What?”

  “I gave you an extra large box of mood candy—that’s it. Sounds like someone has a secret admirer. Seriously—how many boys do you have chasing you now?”

  “A lot, I guess,” she said, hoping he’d accept his own theory. But she had a sinking feeling a boy had nothing to do with the necklace.

  FITZ AND BIANA DIDN’T SEEM surprised when she caught up with them on their way to the Leapmaster to let them know she was coming home with them.

  “I figured you’d have a lot to talk to my dad about,” Fitz said. He glanced at Biana.

  “Yeah, how are you doing?” Biana asked.

  “I’m fine.” Her heart skipped a beat—and for once it had nothing to do with meeting Fitz’s eyes. Alden wouldn’t have told them about the Black Swan, would he?

  Fitz pulled her to a quiet corner. “Sophie. My dad told us about Grady and Edaline. I’m really sorry.”

  “Me too.” Biana reached out and took her hand. “Is there anything we can do?”

  Sophie looked away, blinking to stop the flood of tears she could feel coming. “Thanks. I’m fine.”

  One stubborn tear slipped down her cheek, and Biana wrapped her in a hug. Fitz draped one arm across her shoulders.

  “It’s going to be okay. Really,” Biana whispered.

  “Sorry.” Her voice was thick enough to cut. She pulled away from the hug and wiped her eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “I know. That’s why I didn’t say anything yesterday,” Biana said.

  “You knew yesterday?”

  Biana nodded. “My dad told us a couple days ago, because he and Mom are applying as replacement guardians.”

  Sophie’s head whipped up. “What? Really?”

  “Yep. I mean, the Council still has to approve it, but my dad made it sound like it would kinda be a done deal.”

  Warm tingling rushed through Sophie, and it took her a second to realize it was hope. It didn’t totally heal the wound from Grady and Edaline’s rejection, but it eased some of the fear and uncertainty. “I . . . don’t know what to say,” she whispered. “You guys wouldn’t mind?”

  “Are you kidding? Then I wouldn’t be the only girl anymore. You have no idea what it’s like having two brothers.”

  Sophie’s eyes darted to Fitz, wondering how he felt about the idea. He grinned. “Of course I don’t mind. You’re already like my little sister—this would just make it official.”

  “Oh. Great.” She knew he meant it as a compliment, but the word “sister” still stung.

  Biana hooked an arm through hers and led her toward the Leapmaster. “See? Everything will be okay.”

  Sophie wanted to believe her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were going to get a lot worse before they got better.

  ALDEN SAT QUIET AFTER SOPHIE told him her recent discoveries. Too quiet. She’d tugged out so many eyelashes she was afraid there might be a bald spot. She dropped her hands to her lap.

  Finally, Alden cleared his throat. “Can I see the necklace they gave you?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “I didn’t bring it.”

  “Why not?”

  “I was afraid it might be a bug.”

  “An insect?”

  “Oh. Sorry. That’s what humans call tiny recording devices. I didn’t want to bring it into your house in case it was a way to spy on us.”

  Alden smiled. “Human technology.”

  Her face burned. “But why would they give me a necklace, then? It’s just a crystal pendant—nothing special.”

  “It has a crystal?”

  “A blue one.”

  He dug out his black pathfinder from his pocket and pointed to the cobalt crystal at the end. “Was it this color?”

  Her eyes widened. “I think it was. Do you think it’s a leaping crystal?”

  “Actually, I think it’s an illegal crystal for leaping to the Forbidden Cities.” He rose to pace, shaking his head. “They gave this to you at midterm?”

  She nodded. “I still don’t understand how they could get in my locker.”

  “A skilled Vanisher could sneak into Foxfire undetected, and we already know they have your DNA.” He crossed the room back and forth four times before he spoke again. “I’ll have to get that pendant from you—as soon as possible.”

  “I’ll pick it up on Monday.”

  “Make sure you don’t let anyone see it.”

  “I won’t.”

  He let out a breath. “Good. You can keep the pin for now—maybe it will trigger more memories. I’ve never heard of lumenite being used for firecatching, but I suppose it’s possible. Maybe you should read through your textbook again, see if it triggers anything else now that you know what lumenite is.”

  She nodded, though she dreaded the idea of reading the boring book again. “What about the note and the article?”

  “You can’t do anything about that. Remember your promise.”

  “I know. But are you looking into it?”

  “I’m doing what I can. The Council banned anyone from going near the fires—even those of us with licensed pathfinders. So until they lift that restriction, my hands are tied.”

  “Why would they do that?”

  “They’re trying to stop the conspiracy theories from spreading any more than they already have.”

  “What if it’s not a theory? What if it is Everblaze? It could destroy the world.”

  “It would never get that far. As soon as it threatens us or one of the Lost Cities, they’ll investigate.”

  “But people are dying.” She pointed to the scrap of newspaper on Alden’s desk.

  He sighed. “Humans die every day, Sophie. It’s not our job to keep them all safe.”

  “It is if an elf started the Everblaze.”

  He studied her face for a second before he answered. “You throw the word ‘Everblaze’ around without realizing what a serious accusation that is. Have you heard the name Fintan?”

  She closed her eyes as a word pricked her consciousness. “Balefire.”

  “Did I just trigger a memory?”

  “I think so. But I don’t know what it means.”

  He started pacing again. “Balefire was Fintan’s trademark. It’s a blue flame that requires no fuel. You’ve seen it in Atlantis—he sealed it inside the crystal spires to light the city. That was back when he was one of the Councillors. He retired when pyrokinesis was banned—which he fully supported after what happened.”

  “Marella said people died.”

  Alden nodded. “Because of Everblaze. I’ve never really understood the concept, but apparently there’s a way to sense cosmic energy in the atmosphere, and if you pull enough of the force together, it will spark Everblaze. Fintan called it the ‘fire of the sun on the Earth.’ He was the only Pyrokinetic who managed to ignite it and live. The others who tried were consumed by their own flame.”

  Sophie shuddered.

  “After that, the Council forbade anyone to learn pyrokinesis, and Fintan retired from the Council
because he couldn’t serve without a special ability. But he’s stayed close friends with most of the Councillors, and he’s the only elf alive who can start Everblaze, so can you see why the Councillors might have a hard time believing he’s capable of this?”

  “Do you think he’s capable?”

  Several seconds passed before he answered. “He doesn’t seem like the type. Plus, someone’s been setting suspicious fires all year—the white fires I’ve been investigating—and while they showed some signs that they might be someone trying to spark Everblaze, I never found any conclusive evidence. The Council is convinced this is yet another example.”

  “Still, shouldn’t they at least investigate the fires, to be sure? Especially since these ones are yellow, like Everblaze?”

  “They still see no need. When the first suspicious fires started in San Diego, I asked them to put all the Pyrokinetics under secret surveillance—including Fintan. There’s been no suspicious behavior, so they’re confident an elf can’t be behind them.”

  “Why is the Black Swan so convinced that it’s Everblaze then?”

  “I’m not sure they are. Think about it, Sophie. The Black Swan are obviously the ones behind whatever’s going on, so why would they go to so much effort to tell us what they’re doing? They’d be ruining their own plans.”

  The words crashed into her brain like a stone. “But . . . what are they trying to do, then?”

  Alden stared into the depths of the aquarium. “I’m afraid they might be trying to get you exiled—and trust me when I say you don’t want to go there. It’s a very dark place.”

  “Why would they want that to happen?” she whispered, hugging her chest, like the pressure might calm her racing heart.

  “I can’t even begin to guess, but everything they’ve done has put you at risk. They gave you an illegal leaping crystal as a necklace. They made you collect Quintessence. Now they’re trying to get you to make a very serious charge against a former Councillor—without evidence.”

  It wasn’t until Alden squeezed her shoulder that she realized she was shaking.

  “There’s no need to be afraid, Sophie. I’ll do everything in my power to protect you, but do you understand why I don’t want you to act on this? These fires may very well be a hoax to trap you—and you can’t let that happen.”

  She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “I won’t.”

  “Good girl. I’m so sorry you have to be wrapped up in this, especially considering everything else you’re dealing with.” He took her hands. “I’m sorry about Grady and Edaline. I thought it might help them to have a daughter to raise again. Obviously, I was wrong.”

  Her voice failed her, but she managed to nod.

  “Della and I would love to have you live with us. I’m still getting everything approved by the Council, but Kenric is confident he can overrule Bronte’s objection.”

  “Why does Bronte object?”

  Half a smile crept from the corner of his mouth. “He doesn’t trust me. And he’s never trusted you, given your past. So the idea of us living together . . .”

  “Why doesn’t he trust you?”

  “Probably because my father’s always off chasing phantom rebels,” Alvar said from the doorway. Sophie and Alden both jumped. “Sorry. Sometimes I forget how easy it is to sneak up on people.” He blinked in and out of vision as he crossed the room and leaned against the wall. “What are you guys talking about?”

  Alden cleared his throat. “Sophie might be coming to live with us.”

  “Really? Cool, I guess.” His eyes landed on the teal book on Alden’s desk. “Is that a memory log?”

  Alden snatched it and held the moonlark side against his chest. “I’m sorry, Alvar, you’re interrupting an official meeting between an Emissary and a citizen. Anything you’ve seen or heard is confidential.”

  Alvar grinned. “Duly noted.” He gave an elaborate bow and strode toward the door. “Forgive me for interrupting.”

  When he was gone, Alden turned to Sophie. “You should probably get home.”

  She cringed, but stood up, digging out her home crystal as he handed her the memory log.

  “Keep searching your memories, Sophie. Maybe your next revelation will finally lead us to the truth.”

  FORTY-ONE

  SOPHIE WASN’T SURE IF SHE WAS RELIEVED or disappointed when she didn’t find a note in her locker on Monday. She’d spent the entire weekend attempting to trigger hidden memories but hadn’t found anything, and she was trying not to feel frustrated.

  She studied in the caves, partly to avoid Grady and Edaline, but mostly because the walls at Havenfield pressed in—like there wasn’t enough room for her anymore. Grady and Edaline left her alone as long as she came back by dark.

  Nights were the hardest. She imprisoned herself in her room, sorting out the things she would take whenever it came time to move. Other than Iggy, she was determined to leave everything Grady and Edaline had given her. She didn’t want any reminders of the people who’d kicked her out of their family.

  But she’d decided to tell her friends about it. The thought of everyone’s pity made her feel as if an angry imp were tearing around inside her body—but it was time.

  Dex barely looked at her as he opened his locker, and his whole body radiated tension.

  She cleared her throat. “Hey, Dex.”

  He didn’t turn, keeping one very cold shoulder pointed in her direction.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t blame you for being mad. I know I’ve been a little distant lately.”

  He reeled around, his face twisted with so much anger she barely recognized him. “You weren’t distant with Fitz and Biana on Friday! I saw you hugging them in the hall.”

  “Dex, . . . .” She hadn’t realized anyone was around.

  “Why would you tell them before me? I thought we were best friends.”

  “We are.”

  “Then why did you go home with them after you turned me down?”

  “I was going there anyway. And I didn’t tell them—they already knew.” She took a deep breath, preparing for the next words. “Grady and Edaline canceled my adoption.”

  “Oh.” He stared at his feet. “Are you okay?”

  She choked back a small sob. The words hurt even more to say out loud. “Not really,” she admitted. “But that’s why Fitz and Biana knew before you. Alden told them when he asked how they would feel about me living with them.”

  “What?” His voice was so loud half the prodigies in the atrium turned to stare. “You’re going to live with them?”

  She leaned closer so he would keep his voice down. “The Council still has to approve it, but I hope so.”

  “You hope so?” He slammed his locker closed. “Well, that’s just great. You’ll be a Vacker.” He said their last name like it was a bad word.

  “So?”

  “So, Vackers aren’t friends with Dizznees.”

  “I would be—and Fitz and Biana would be too if you made some effort with them.”

  “Right.” He kicked the ground. “I don’t get why you’d want to live there anyway.”

  “For one thing, there aren’t exactly people lined up to adopt me.” She cleared the bitterness from her voice before saying anything else. “Besides, they’re my friends, Dex. I keep waiting for you to get over this—prejudice—against them, but it’s like you want to hate them.”

  “I don’t trust them.”

  “Well, I do.”

  “Yeah, because you have a megacrush on Fitz.”

  “I do not!” Blood rushed to her face. He’d said it so loud everyone giggled.

  Dex snorted. “Whatever.”

  “It’s the truth. And why are you being such a jerk? I tell you my guardians are kicking me out, and you pick a fight with me and humiliate me in front of everyone?”

&nb
sp; “Maybe if you’d talked to me first—instead of running to Wonderboy—I could’ve helped. But I guess I should get used to that. Once you’re living there, you’ll ditch me anyway.”

  “Right now I kind of want to.”

  “Good!”

  “Good!”

  Dex kicked the wall and stomped away.

  Sophie leaned against her locker, trying to figure out what to feel. Hurt, regret, and anger warred with each other, but anger won. She was in the middle of the biggest crisis of her life, and all Dex could think about was his silly competition with Fitz. It made her want to throw something. Hard. At his head.

  Instead, she grabbed the illegal necklace from the back of her locker, shoved it in her bag, and stomped to elementalism.

  DEX AVOIDED HER LIKE THE plague for the rest of the day—which was fine. She wasn’t talking to him until she got a very sincere apology. Maybe with a little begging. And a present.

  She’d planned to stop by Everglen to drop off the necklace, but Biana told her Alden and Della were in Eternalia all day meeting with the Council. So she went back to the cave at Havenfield and tried to trigger memories until sunset. Once again, she found nothing.

  She was up in her room transmitting commands to Iggy—her new, very successful method of training him—when Grady knocked on her door.

  “Sophie,” he called. “Can you hear me?”

  “Yes.” It was the first word she’d spoken to him since their talk.

  He cracked the door enough to slip his head through, looking more uncomfortable than she felt. “Sorry to interrupt. A package arrived for you.”

  He held out a small parcel wrapped in brown paper. When she didn’t move, he set it on the floor. “I guess I’ll leave it here. Um . . . good night.”

  It was easy to hate Grady for what he was doing, but it was also hard. She really did love Grady and Edaline, and she’d thought they loved her. Her eyes blurred with tears as she tore off the brown paper, unwrapping a silver orb and a note.

  “You must help them.” Followed by three names: “Connor, Kate, and Natalie Freeman.”

  Her hands shook as the silver orb came alive at her touch, the word spyball glowing across the center. She’d never seen one before, but she’d heard kids talk about them. They could show you anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world. You had to apply for a special permit to have one. And she had no doubt who’d sent her this one.